Memento frame



Jan. 17, 1961 A. TIMMINS 2,968,109

MEMENTO FRAME Filed Deo. 5, 1958 Qlxxnggsxxxlwm INVENTOR. `L E' Af @fn/0.? //v/v/A/s EW em /97'7'O/P/V'y United States Patent() MEMENTO FRAlVIE Arthur Timmins, 3733 Otterbein, Dayton, Ollio vFiled Dec. 3, 1958, Ser. No. 777,953

2 Claims. (Cl. 40-152.1)

This invention relates to picture type framesand more particularly to an improved frame device adapted to display a baby identification necklace or bracelet in conjunction with a picture of the person to which it relates.

There are many types of mementoes which people keep as souvenirsof some eventful or pleasant occasion. This is particularly so in the case of baby identification necklaces since they signal the birth of a new baby. Most people keep the necklace and other such souvenirs in boxes with valued possessions because of the lack of a device which would enable such a memento to be visibly displayed in a protected yet accessible condition. It has been proposed to mold momentoes permanently into some type of transparent plastic material. This is undesirable from the standpoint that it makes the memento inaccessible. The resultant product is a permanent unit which is not subject to change.

The present invention provides a picture type display device of an improved and attractive nature which can selectively function as a memento frame, an improved picture holder, or both. Embodiment of the invention provides means for framing a memento and/or picture in a minimum of time and with a minimum of effort with maximum protection obtaining for the device framed. The frame components have a simple slip fit relation which seals the contained object sufficiently to maintain its original characteristics. However, the frame unit may be quickly and easily disassembled in the event the framed objects are desired for some other purpose. The aesthetic advantages and utilitarian aspects of the invention will become readily apparent to those versed in the art from the detailed description of an illustrative embodiment described herein.

The primary object of the invention is to provide an improved display frame particularly adapted to releasably seal a baby identification necklace in conjunction with a photograph of the person to which it relates in a visible, protected and attractive manner.

A further object of the invention is to provide improvements in picture type display frames.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved display frame particularly adapted to conjointly display a photograph or picture and a memento having sentimental value.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a highly advantageous display frame particularly adapted to display the identification bracelet of a new born baby v in an accessible yet protected condition.

A further object of the invention is to provide a picture type memento holder of an improved nature which is exceedingly simple to assemble and disassemble.

Another object ot the invention is to provide a display frame possessing the advantageous structural features, the inherent meritorious characteristics and the means and mode of operation and utilization thereof herein described.

With the above primary and other incidental objects in view which will more fully appear in the specification,

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t 2 the invention intended to be protected by Letters Patent consists of the `features of construction, the vparts `and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation herein? after described Vor illustrated `in Vthe accompianyirig:draw-- ings, or their equivalents.

Referring to the drawings wherein is illustrated a preferred but not necessarily the konly form of embodiment of the invention,

Fig. l is a perspective view of an embodiment Aof .the invention displaying a baby identification bracelet;

Fig. 2 Ais va crossasectional Aview taken v0n line .2-1-2 offFig. 1; I

Figl. 3 4is acrossfsectonal view `taken on line `5w-Bref Fig.

Fig. '4 is a crossfsectionalview'taken ion-,line L4--4 nf Fig. 1; and

Fig. `5 is a detail perspective view of the slip closure element employed in the device of Fig. 1.

The invention `'can be best described with reference to the illustrative embodiment .in the drawings.` As may be seen, the display frame includes a rectangular block type base 1 having spaced parallel column members 2 projecting vertically from its upper surface 3. The opposed faces of the column elements 2 have identical and opposite vertical grooves 4 therein. The body of the display frame includes a relatively thick rectangular plate 5 of transparent plastic material having a central annular groove 6 in one face 7. A relatively thin transparent plate 8 overlies the face 7 of the plate 5 coextensively therewith to cover the annular groove 6.

The invention in its preferred form provides that a baby identification necklace 9 is wdisposed in annular groove 6 in the plate 5 and a picture 10 of the person which the necklace identifies is preferably superimposed on the central projection 11 defined by the groove 6 in plate 5. Thus, the thin transparent plate 8 contains the necklace within the groove 6 and frictionally clamps the picture to the section 11 of the plate 5 upon a slide insertion of the thus assembled components 5 through 11 inclusive in the column elements 2 within the grooves 4. The lateral extremities of the plates 5 and 8 are thereby sealed a major portion of their length by the containment thereof in the grooves 4 of the column elements 2. The base or lowermost edges of the plates 5 and 8 seat ilush to the surface 3 of the base 1.

A rectangular-ly formed three sided slide clip 12 is provided including a pair of parallel channel sections 13 which are U shaped in cross section connected by a transversely disposed channel section 14 of a similar nature. The element 12 is adapted to be slip fit over the upper end of the assembly including the containing plates 5 and 8, the sections 13 sliding down and containing the upper lateral extremities of the plates 5 and 8 to have their projecting extremities abut the upper ends of the columns 2. The transverse section 14 of the slip device 12 receives the uppermost edges of the plates 5 and 8 and clamps them in sealing relation to each other.

Thus a novel display framing of a baby identification necklace in conjunction with a photograph of the person whom it identifies is effected. The elements of the display frame are simple yet effective in their containment of the memento and the picture, the memento being sealed in the groove 6 within plate 5 and the picture being frictionally held to the relative projection 11 of the plate 5 by the superimposed transparent plastic plate 8. The unit assembly is simple to Ifabricate and accordingly economical and very attractive. Moreover, the improvements in the frame enable any individual to quickly and easily assemble and disassembie it in a manner which is obvious. The invention thus provides a unique display of the baby identification necklace which is highly desirable to interested parties.

It will of course be readily recognized by those versed in the art that the invention may be employed for other applications and such is considered to come within its scope. l i

From the above description it willY be apparent'that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modication in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprises an illustrative form of several modes of putting the invention into etect and the invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modcations'withinthe legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. A memento frame including a relatively thick plate element having a base mounting it in generally vertically projected relation, said plate element having a channel in one face defining means for centrally locating a picture thereon, said channel being adapted to releasably mount a memento in framing relation to the picture.

2. A memento frame including a plate element having a base mounting it in generally vertically projected relation, said plate having a channel formed in one face detining means for locating a picture thereon, said channel being adapted to releasably mount a memento in framing relation to the picture and a transparent member releasably connected in superposed relation to said one face of said plate element to confine the picture and memento thereto.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

